Hockey fans across Norway are now cheering for the Detroit Red Wings.
The Red Wings selected forward Michael Brandsegg-Nygard with the 15th overall pick, making history for the Nordic nation. Brandsegg-Nygard is the first Norweigan player selected in the first round of the NHL Draft.
Brandsegg-Nygard plays in Sweden and last season with Mora in the second division, he had eight goals and nine assists in 40 games. Next season Brandsegg-Nygard will team up with fellow Red Wings draft pick Axel Sandin Pellikka at Skellefteå in the first division of the SHL.
“Brandsegg-Nygard is plenty strong and has proven he can play at pro pace this season,” Sportsnet scout Jason Bukala wrote in a scouting report. “His ability to shoot the puck in motion, off the rush, is an asset he has when he beats opponents up ice. He’s smart, skilled, and competitive.”